Patterns of interpersonal behaviors and borderline personality characteristics

Linehan (1993) identified two interpersonal sub-syndromal patterns in her Borderline patients. Similar sub-syndromal patterns were identified by Leihener and colleagues (2003) in a clinically diagnosed sample of Borderline hospitalized patients. These sub-syndromes were referred to as “autonomous” and “dependent” patterns by the authors. This study attempted to determine if these patterns could also be observed in a college student sample that evidenced sub-clinical patterns of borderline features on a widely used questionnaire measure of borderline symptoms. Interpersonal functioning was assessed utilizing the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). Individuals with high levels of borderline features formed two groups distinguishable by separate patterns of scores on the IIP that were consistent with the descriptions of Leihener et al. The autonomous sub-type was characterized by problems of being overly assertive, lack of intimacy, and keeping others at a distance. The dependent subtype was characterized by submissiveness, having little influence over others, difficulty conveying needs, obtrusiveness, and low self-confidence. As Linehan has indicated these patterns have implications for therapy.